Report highlights employment barriers for formerly incarcerated Louisianans

A new report from the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette reveals major hurdles for people re-entering the workforce after incarceration. Despite the need for labor across Louisiana, these individuals face significant difficulty finding stable jobs.

Data indicates that only 44 percent of formerly incarcerated people find formal employment within their first year of release. Even when they do secure a position, longevity is low. Only about 12 to 13 percent of those workers remain employed through all four quarters of the year. Much of the available work remains locked in low-wage sectors like food service.

This research is part of the LA FIRST initiative by the Louisiana Board of Regents, which aims to improve workforce outcomes for those leaving the justice system. Researchers describe this group as an untapped talent pool for a state currently experiencing workforce shortages.

Some local businesses in Acadiana are taking action to change these outcomes. Chris Smith, owner of Lafayette Marble and Granite, actively hires individuals with justice involvement. He notes that the experience of helping people transition from past hardships into reliable careers provides immense value to his company. The report serves as a baseline for policymakers and employers to address these barriers more effectively.